Gainfield Elementary School

In our school, everyone must work together in a spirit of cooperation, respect and trust. Therefore, it is necessary that we have school rules and expectations that we all understand and follow. It is your responsibility to read these expectations carefully, to understand them and to follow them. If you have any questions about them, ask your teacher. The following information explains how we want you to act in many different school settings and situations.

Basically, we expect you to be kind and respectful to all students and adults at all times. We will not allow:  

• Behavior that harms any person or damages property
• Behavior that seriously prevents students from learning in a safe place
• Behavior that goes against any policy of the Board of Education

After School Activities  

• All students who remain on school grounds after school must follow the same rules as they do during the school day.

Before School

• You should arrive at school no earlier than 8:40 a.m. because there are no adults available to watch you until that time.
• You should arrive no later than 8:55 a.m. so you will be ready to learn by the time school begins.
•  When you get to school, go directly to the rear playground. If you need the lavatory when you arrive, you should use the one near the cafeteria.
•  You may not walk around the halls or stand by the doorways before school.
•  When the 8:57 a.m. bell rings, line up in your assigned line.
•  Enter the building only when a teacher or paraprofessional tells you.
•  On poor weather days, report to the gym and behave in an orderly fashion.

The Before & After School Program (BAS) meets at Gainfield Elementary School, but it is NOT a school-sponsored program. The Before School Program begins at 7:30 a.m. The After School Program ends at 6:00 p.m. If you have questions about this program, contact Leslie at The Nest, 984 Southford Rd/ Rte. 188, Middlebury CT. Phone: 203-758-9799.

Cafeteria/Lunch/Recess

• Students should enter and exit the cafeteria quietly.
• Students will listen to paraprofessionals and cafeteria staff directions respectfully.
• Students should welcome all students to sit together. We do not reserve seats at Gainfield.
• Clean-up your space.
• Exit by walking when dismissed.
• Due to the fact that individuals may be allergic to certain food items, we ask that you do NOT share your lunch with others.
• Get an adult’s permission before leaving the cafeteria.
• Only the lavatories next to the cafeteria are to be used during lunch.
• Lunch is a great time to spend time with your friends. Help us to make this time enjoyable and safe for everyone by using “inside voices” and showing that you have good manners.
• If you have recess first, don’t go to the cafeteria before the bell rings.
• Enjoy your whole lunch before leaving the cafeteria.

Dismissal

Dismissal is a time where all students at Gainfield wrap up their day and leave for home or other after school activities. An orderly dismissal is essential to make sure that every child arrives at their destination safely and on time. Here are some dismissal expectations:  

• After last period, you will have a chance to go to your locker, return to your homeroom, and wait until you are dismissed by a teacher when bus waves are announced.
• If you are being picked up by a parent/guardian, you will be dismissed at 3:30. You will be dismissed before bus waves so you can walk to the Cafeteria where you will be picked up. Please leave the building as soon as possible so the halls will be clear for students walking to their buses.
• Walkers and bicycle-riders must have written permission on file and will be dismissed from the cafeteria or gym by the adult in charge.
• Students must stay in class until they are called over the loudspeaker.
• Each class will walk with their teacher, or another adult to the dismissal location.
• When passing in the halls, students walk in single file lines and will be silent so they can hear instructions from the teacher or other important announcements.
• Once at the dismissal location, students may quietly read a book until they are picked up.
• Hall Monitors are responsible for the safety of students in the hallways. Students should listen to their suggestions.

Pick-Ups: Parents, you can help ensure a smooth and safe dismissal by following them helpful steps.

1.) All student pick-ups are dismissed from the cafeteria ONLY. Please do not go to the Office or walk through the building to pick up your child.
2.) The gates are opened at 3:30 p.m. to allow cars to line up. Arriving before this time is not permitted and causes traffic and safety concerns.

 Homeroom

When entering the building, go to your locker before going to your homeroom.

Hallway Behavior

When passing in the hallways, we ask that everyone to remember that Gainfield is a place where students are working hard at learning. Students at work need an environment that is calm and free of distractions. When in the hallways, students should behave in a way that shows respect for others and the work that they are doing in the classroom.

• Students will walk in a straight line quietly on the right side of the hallway and stairs with hands at their sides.
• Individual students should walk quietly when passing in the hallway without an adult.
• Out of respect for our country, all students should stop for pledge if they are passing in the hallway.
• Lockers: students should access lockers in a way that is respectful of learning that occurs in classroom. You should not plan to visit your locker when passing to a different classroom, except when you need gym equipment, musical instruments or bulky projects.
• Keep lockers closed.

Playground

The purpose of recess is to have fun and include all students. Please practice safety rules on equipment and during games.  

• Be respectful of paraprofessional’s and other adults. Take responsibility for your actions and listen to the guidance of adults on the playground.
• Play games away from the building (on field side of white line) when classes are in session. We don’t want to interrupt the learning in these classes.
• Line up quickly when it’s time to come into the building.
• Keep playground clean and put away equipment.
• Use only the lavatories near the cafeteria.
• In order to have a safe playground experience for everyone, you may NOT:
* Stand in doorways         * Go into parking areas                            * Leave playground without permission
* Re-enter the building   * Use climbing equipment when wet  *Throw dangerous objects
* Kick balls on blacktop or throw balls                                               * Bully, tease, fight or push toward the building
* Interfere with games in progress                                                       * Kick/throw balls in areas where there are many children
* Go on any roof area      * Stand on the tire swing                          * Play tackle football, keep-away, or hardball
* Jump off swings              * Climb trees or swing on branches    * Eat food on the playground
* Throw or kick sand

Play safe…take turns…make good choices…and include friends in your games!

During recess only Gainfield students and staff are allowed on the playground.

Evening School Events  

We enjoy having you and your family attend special school celebrations and performances that take place after regular school hours. Remember that we expect you to follow all school expectations while at these events and that you
continue to listen to your parents or other adults who come with you!

Participating in evening school events is a positive way to build our school community. When you accompany your children to such events, we ask that you take primary responsibility for their supervision. We need your cooperation to make each event a safe and happy experience for everyone. We know that positive adult models can have a powerful influence on our children. Let’s model the appropriate, positive behaviors and courtesies that we expect our children to learn.